NASCAR Modified Series Legend Mike Stefanik Killed in Plane Crash at Age 61

UPDATE 8:47 PM ET September 15: NASCAR’s CEO and Chairman Jim France has released a statement on the passing of nine-time NASCAR champion driver Mike Stefanik:

We are saddened to hear the news about nine-time NASCAR Champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Mike Stefanik’s passing. NASCAR statement: pic.twitter.com/VqRBxBpB18

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 16, 2019

UPDATE 8:30 PM ET September 15: NASCAR has confirmed the passing of Mike Stefanik according to a Tweet from Motorsport.com’s Jim Utter. A statement from the sanctioning body will be coming soon.

NEWS: #NASCAR has confirmed that 7-time Whelen Modified champion Mike Stefanik has died in a plane crash in Sterling, CT., today. Will have a statement soon.

— Jim Utter (@jim_utter) September 16, 2019

Legendary NASCAR Modified Series driver Mike Stefanik has passed away following a plane crash according to a somber report from RaceDayCT.com which surfaced on Sunday afternoon.

The report cites that multiple sources confirm that Stefanik was apparently piloting a single engine single seat Aero ultra-light plane on Sunday and crashed in Sterling, Connecticut. Stefanik was 61-years old.

Stefanik was a seven-time champion in the NASCAR Whelen Modified tour, and he had amassed an incredible 74 wins in the series. The Rhode Island native also took two titles in the NASCAR K&N Pro East Series back in 1997 and 1998.

He also reached the NASCAR National Series level, as he ran a full-time season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in 1999. Stefanik would finish 13th in the championship standings that season.

Stefanik also ran 26 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, with a best finish of eighth at New Hampshire in 1992.